Bible Verse

Matthew 7:7

Jesus teaches about prayer and God's goodness in the Sermon on the Mount, encouraging His followers to approach God with bold confidence.

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."

— Matthew 7:7 (NIV)

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Other Translations

"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you."

— ESV

"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you."

— KJV

"Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you."

— NLT

Understanding the Context

Book Context

Matthew 7 continues the Sermon on the Mount. After teaching about judgment and worry, Jesus instructs about effective prayer and God's fatherly generosity.

Historical Background

First-century Jewish culture emphasized approaching God with reverence but sometimes missed the intimacy He desires. Jesus invites bold, persistent prayer to a generous Father.

Verse-by-Verse Breakdown

"Ask and it will be given to you"

'Ask' is present imperative—keep asking, continuous action. God invites us to present our requests. 'Will be given' is divine passive—God is the giver. This promises response, though not always what/when we expect.

"seek and you will find"

'Seek' (zeteo) means to search diligently, desire earnestly. This is active pursuit, not passive wishing. Seeking implies effort and intentionality. God promises that diligent seeking will be rewarded with finding.

"knock and the door will be opened to you"

'Knock' suggests persistence—continuing when the door doesn't immediately open. It implies approaching a specific door with purpose. God promises access to those who persistently seek entrance into His presence and will.

""

Three verbs with increasing intensity: ask (verbal), seek (active searching), knock (persistent action). All three promise positive response from God, encouraging bold, persistent prayer.

Key Themes

PrayerPersistence in seeking GodGod's generosityBold confidenceDivine response

Applying This Verse to Your Life

  1. 1

    Pray boldly and specifically, trusting God's promise to respond.

  2. 2

    Persist in prayer rather than giving up when answers don't come immediately.

  3. 3

    Actively seek God's will and wisdom, not just passively waiting.

  4. 4

    Trust God's character as generous Father when presenting requests.

  5. 5

    Keep knocking on doors of opportunity, trusting God to open what He wills.

Questions for Reflection

  • What have you stopped asking God for that you should persistently bring before Him?
  • Are you actively seeking God's wisdom for current decisions?
  • What door have you stopped knocking on that God might want you to persist in pursuing?
  • Do you truly believe God is generous and responsive to your prayers?

Related Scripture

Luke 11:9-10

"So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."

James 4:2

"You do not have because you do not ask God."

Jeremiah 29:13

"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."

1 John 5:14

"This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us."

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